Cherry Bourbon Balls

I'll never forget my first encounter with bourbon balls at a holiday party in Kentucky, where these confections are practically a sacred tradition. The host had made them from her grandmother's recipe, and I was immediately captivated by the sophisticated blend of flavors. When I decided to create my own version, I wanted to add something special, so I incorporated cherries into the mix. The result exceeded my expectations. These Cherry Bourbon Balls feature a base of crushed vanilla wafers soaked in quality bourbon, combined with cream cheese for an incredibly smooth texture. Chopped maraschino cherries add pops of sweetness throughout the creamy filling, while the dark chocolate coating provides a sophisticated bitter-sweet contrast. What makes this recipe truly special is the balance – the bourbon is present but not overpowering, the cherries add visual appeal and flavor without making the filling too sweet, and the chocolate coating sets perfectly to create that satisfying snap when you bite through. Each ball is crowned with a whole cherry, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. First, it's incredibly forgiving – even if you're not confident in the kitchen, you can make these successfully. There's no tempering chocolate, no precise baking temperatures, just simple mixing and dipping. I love that I can make them ahead of time, which takes so much stress out of holiday entertaining. The flavor combination is sophisticated enough for adult palates but approachable enough that almost everyone enjoys them. I appreciate that the bourbon adds depth without making them taste boozy, and the cherries provide bursts of fruity sweetness that keep each bite interesting. The visual impact is another reason I adore this recipe – those glossy chocolate spheres topped with bright red cherries look like they came from a high-end chocolatier. Most importantly, these bourbon balls represent the joy of sharing homemade treats. Every time I gift a box or bring them to a gathering, the response is overwhelming. They spark conversations, create memories, and somehow make any occasion feel more special.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Vanilla wafer crumbs: Crush vanilla wafers in a food processor until fine crumbs form, measuring out 2 cups
• Bourbon whiskey: Pour over the crumbs and let soak for 10 minutes to infuse flavor
• Cream cheese: Bring to room temperature and beat until smooth before mixing with powdered sugar
• Maraschino cherries: Drain thoroughly, pat dry with paper towels, then chop into small pieces
• Dark chocolate chips: Melt gently with butter in a double boiler for smooth coating
• Maraschino cherries with stems: Pat dry and use as garnish, placing on top immediately after coating

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the bourbon base

Start by crushing your vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Measure out exactly 2 cups and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the bourbon over the crumbs and use a spatula to mix thoroughly. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes – this resting time is essential as it allows the crumbs to fully absorb the bourbon, creating a moist, flavorful base that holds together perfectly when shaped.

Create the creamy filling

While the bourbon mixture rests, take your softened cream cheese and beat it with an electric mixer until it's completely smooth and fluffy with no lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, beating well after each addition until the mixture is silky. Pat your chopped cherries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture. Finally, combine this with your bourbon-soaked crumbs, mixing until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture is cohesive.

Shape and chill

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out equal amounts of the mixture – aim for about 1 tablespoon per ball. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until they're quite firm to the touch. This chilling step is absolutely crucial for successful chocolate coating.

Master the chocolate coating

Set up your double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of gently simmering water – make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Add your chocolate chips and butter to the bowl and stir constantly with a rubber spatula until everything is melted and silky smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes until it reaches a good coating consistency – not too hot or too cool. Working with one ball at a time, use a fork or dipping tool to lower it into the chocolate, roll to coat completely, then lift it out and tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place back on the parchment paper and immediately top with a cherry before the chocolate begins to set.

Final setting and serving

Once all your bourbon balls are coated and topped with cherries, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least another hour until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm. When ready to serve, remove them from the fridge about 10 minutes beforehand to allow them to come to the perfect temperature – this ensures the filling is creamy rather than too firm, and the flavors are at their peak. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they'll keep beautifully for up to two weeks.

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Switch Things Up

I first made these Cherry Bourbon Balls for a New Year's Eve party when I needed something impressive but didn't have time for complicated baking. I remember standing in my kitchen, slightly worried about whether the chocolate coating would set properly, but the moment I placed that first cherry on top, I knew these were going to be special. The bourbon adds just the right amount of warmth without being overwhelming, and the cream cheese makes the filling incredibly smooth. Now, every time I make these, I double the batch because they disappear so quickly. My favorite part is actually the prep work – there's something meditative about rolling each ball and dipping it in chocolate. I've experimented with different chocolates and bourbon varieties, and each combination brings its own character. These have become my signature holiday treat, and friends have started requesting them specifically.

Perfect Pairings

These Cherry Bourbon Balls pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and desserts. Serve them alongside freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the rich chocolate. For an adult gathering, pair with bourbon neat, a Manhattan cocktail, or even a dessert wine like Port. They also work wonderfully as part of a dessert platter with chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, and salted caramels. For a complete dessert experience, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. The sweetness of the cherry filling also pairs nicely with sharp aged cheddar for those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee, cherry juice, or even milk. However, the flavor will be noticeably different as the bourbon adds a distinctive warmth and depth to the recipe.

→ How far in advance can I make these bourbon balls?

These bourbon balls can be made up to two weeks in advance when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, they often taste better after 24-48 hours as the flavors have time to meld together.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate works wonderfully if you prefer a sweeter coating. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate or even white chocolate for variety. Just keep in mind that different chocolates may have slightly different melting temperatures.

→ Why is my chocolate coating too thick or lumpy?

If your chocolate is too thick, add a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (about 1 teaspoon at a time) and stir until smooth. Make sure there's no water getting into the chocolate as this causes it to seize and become grainy.

→ Do these bourbon balls need to be refrigerated?

Yes, these should be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese in the filling. They'll keep for up to two weeks when properly stored in an airtight container. Remove them 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I freeze cherry bourbon balls?

Yes, these freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

→ What's the best bourbon to use for this recipe?

Use a bourbon you'd enjoy drinking – mid-range quality bourbons work perfectly. Popular choices include Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace. Avoid very expensive bourbons as the subtle notes won't come through in the dessert.

Conclusion

These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the ultimate no-bake dessert that brings elegance and sophistication to any occasion. The combination of bourbon-soaked vanilla wafers, creamy filling, and rich chocolate coating creates a treat that's both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're preparing them for holiday gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, these bourbon balls deliver impressive results with minimal effort. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them perfect for advance preparation.